interest rates. Low inventories of housing add pressure to the housing market, pushing pric- es higher. Both factors make affordability more of a challenge. However, we are coming to a point where the hous- ing market is sta- bilizing.

You see You can

always find eve- ning markets with music, arts, and food at any of the cities or towns around the county. With so much to do, a staycation is a realistic plan! With a thriving economy, af-

this as sellers start reducing their list price, or accept- ing lower offers. Median values will not be increas- ing at the same pace month aſter month. Most un-

derwriting guidelines allow the seller to contribute up to 6% of the sales price towards closing costs. Part of closing costs can include buying down your in- terest rate. Lowering your in-

terest rate can make the home more affordable. Trying to save for the down

payment for a home can be the hardest hurdle

to overcome.

Many of the low-down pay- ment programs require a mini- mum of 3% down plus closing costs. Tis can add up to an additional 3% of the sales price. Te good news: A loan pro- gram that will do 100% financ- ing with no down payment required. USDA offers a 100% loan program for the purchase of a primary residence in eli- gible areas whose income is within USDA income limits. In June, USDA announced new income limits. In Sonoma County, the top annual income limit is $123,500 for a family of 4 and $163,000 for a family of 5 or more. For Mendocino and Lake Counties, the income limit is $82,700 for up to 4 fam-

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ily members and $109,150 for 5 or more. Te program has a minimum credit score of 620. Tese are household incomes, and you can have up to four applicants with incomes, buy- ing the home. Tis USDA loan program is

funded by the United States’ Department of Agriculture and is designed to help under- served areas, typically outside city limits. Once considered Farm Loans, these loans are not for the farm but for the home. If you are looking at a home outside city limits, this loan program may work for you. Eligible properties are Windsor and north, all of east and West County. Te program does require the home to be owner occupied.

are not allowed.

Investor purchases It does have

income restrictions that vary from county to county. If you have been victim of

the economic turndown that resulted in a Bankruptcy, fore- closure, or short sale, the wait- ing period for this program is only three years. With seller or lender credits, you could move into a home for less than what you might pay to move into a rental.

Instead of pay-

ing your landlord’s mortgage, you would be paying your own mortgage. You would be tak- ing pride in ownership and building a foundation for your future. With new higher income

limits, USDA loans will be able to help more households buy their first home in eligi- ble areas. Comparing FHA to USDA, you have lower funding fees and lower monthly mort- gage insurance. If the property is in an USDA eligible area this could be the better choice. For more information on the pro- gram and eligibility, visit the USDA web site at http://eligi- bility.sc.egov.usda.gov

A man was stopped by a game warden in South Louisiana recently with two ice chests of fish, leaving a bayou well known for its fishing. The game warden asked the man, “Do you have a license to catch those fish?”